Wayne Riley makes bold prediction on how Xander Schauffele will perform at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst

Add as preferred source on Google

Sky Sports golf reporter Wayne Riley has made a bold prediction on Xander Schauffele ahead of the U.S. Open at the daunting Pinehurst No.2.

Schauffele sealed his first major at Valhalla on Sunday evening thanks to an ice-cool final round to fend off a resurgent Bryson DeChambeau, who carded a brilliant seven-under 64.

After coming up short at Quail Hollow, the diminutive American emphatically answered his critics in the year’s second major championship.

Now, attention turns to North Carolina and the U.S. Open returning to Pinehurst for the first time in ten years.

Xander Schauffele to challenge again at the U.S. Open

• READ MORE: A former major winner had a YouTuber caddying for him at the PGA Championship

Schauffele’s tee-to-green work at Valhalla was immense, and, along with Scottie Scheffler, he must be considered among the game’s elite players.

Ahead of 2024’s third major championship, Schauffele stands every chance of competing once more, something Sky Sports man Riley agrees with.

He told Sky Sports: “There’s a lot for him [ahead]. He can play any golf course. He will be a force at Pinehurst; I’m so looking forward to that.”

Riley also suggested the 30-year-old could threaten at Royal Troon in the 152nd Open Championship.

He added: “Then the Open, the way he drives the ball, he can flatten the ball down. He has that little peeler happening when we get to Troon. Wow. That’s going to be awesome as well. He can win one more this year.”

Major relief for the PGA Championship victor

• READ MORE: Three players who proved they can win the U.S. Open at Pinehurst after their performances at Valhalla

Schauffele’s victory at Valhalla emphatically answered questions over his ability to get the job done.

At the Wells Fargo Championship, the outcome almost felt inevitable; once Rory McIlroy upped the pace, there was only one winner.

However, the 2024 PGA Championship victor evidently learnt from the mistakes he made at Quail Hollow. He remained calm despite hearing the cheers created by DeChambeau in the group ahead.

Now that he’s landed his first major, Schauffele will head to Pinehurst in a relaxed mood, a feeling he may not have experienced before one of the most important events of the year.

Schauffele playing with freedom at the U.S. Open could be a daunting prospect for his rivals to contend with.